Articles tagged with Agricultural Chemistry
A €2.5million European research programme, FRIETS, is increasing the shelf-life of berries through high-precision agriculture and innovative processing methods while maintaining quality. The four-year project combines precision agriculture strategies with dehydration and edible coating methods to discover healthier food alternatives.
Researchers identified a new class of sulfur-containing compounds, thiophenols, contributing to smoke taint in wine. Thiophenols were found in wines exposed to smoke and not in control samples.
Scientists at UC Riverside identify microRNA as a key player in plant temperature responses and growth, revealing its essential role in sensing environmental changes. The discovery has significant implications for increasing crop yields in diverse environments and adapting to climate change.
The DOE has committed $237.9 million to the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) for a five-year extension, continuing groundbreaking work toward U.S. energy independence. Researchers will develop fuels and products by integrating three highly interconnected priority areas.
Researchers developed new spiro-pyrazolo quinazoline derivatives with reduced bee toxicity without compromising insecticidal activity. The compounds showed promising results, including one compound with an LD50 value three to four orders of magnitude lower than fipronil.
Researchers at Okayama University have identified cycloartenyl ferulate as the main contributor to brown rice's health-promoting effects. The compound's antioxidant properties help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to benefits such as weight reduction and improved cholesterol levels.
University of Queensland researchers have found a way to more efficiently convert sugarcane into isobutanol, a chemical used in fuels, plastics, and food additives. The cell-free method produces at least 10 times the amount of isobutanol as traditional methods, offering higher yields and more control over the production process.
Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.
The study analyzed experimental parameters, nanomaterial types, and plant exposure duration. It found that many studies lacked positive controls and had short durations compared to crop lifecycles.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.
Researchers discover that male spotted lanternflies are strongly attracted to the smell of honeydew produced by male conspecifics, emitting specific sex-attractant profiles. This finding may lead to the development of new pest management tools to reduce the population and spread of this invasive species.
A genetically modified yeast strain can alter fermentation to create beers with intense tropical flavors and aromas. The strains increase the amounts of free thiols, which provide aromatic compounds found in hops.
A new study by Environmental Working Group finds that communities of color in Ventura County are disproportionately exposed to pesticides, threatening their health and well-being. The study analyzed over 340,000 pesticide application records and found that farmworkers and their families face the greatest risk of pesticide exposure.
The DREAM project aims to optimize indoor production by studying plant needs and providing cultivation protocols for better resource management. The researchers will develop new sensors to interrogate plants and algae under natural-like light, allowing for customized lighting tools that adapt energy supply to plant needs.
Researchers explored agri-food and environmental implications of Shanghai's pesticide use reduction policy, finding that imposing the policy at district level reduced crop acreage but alleviated pollution in water resources. The study suggests regional-level implementation can improve outcomes while maintaining food security.
Researchers at Waseda University demonstrate a novel zirconocene-catalyzed epoxide ring-opening reaction under visible light, expanding the reaction scope and regioselectivity. The approach enables accessible synthesis of elusive alcohol products with improved efficiency and environmental sustainability.
A new cocoa processing method called moist incubation has been found to produce a fruitier and more flowery-tasting dark chocolate compared to traditional fermentation. The method involves rehydrating dried, unfermented cocoa nibs in an acidic solution and heating them for 72 hours before re-drying.
A new app called Metaboseek has been developed to streamline the analysis of comparative metabolomics data, helping researchers identify valuable compounds. The app was created by a postdoctoral research associate and is now essential to his lab's work.
Researchers developed an estimation strategy to maximize accuracy while minimizing cost of soil carbon sampling, leveraging publicly available data. The new approach reduces the number of samples needed by up to 28% compared to random selection.
Researchers used single cell RNA-sequencing to identify specific cells and genes in maize roots responsible for nitrate uptake. The study provides valuable insights into optimizing root nutrient uptake ability in crops.
Researchers have developed a simple, biodegradable ground cover that keeps soil wet longer and increases crop yields. The wax-coated sand barrier decreased soil moisture loss by up to 50-80% and improved plant growth, including increased fruit and grain production.
A new study led by Phil Crews at UC Santa Cruz identifies a method to measure smoke-derived compounds directly, providing practical guidelines for winemakers. The analysis of over 200 samples found that two biomarkers were not useful and recommended replacing them with different ones.
A new method to produce hydrogen from water has been discovered, using cobalt and manganese as catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.
Scientists develop a sensitive electrochemical detector using cerium oxide nanozyme to identify organophosphate pesticides in plants. The method provides an unprecedented wider linear range and a detection limit of 0.06 mmol/L, making it suitable for detecting trace amounts of pesticide residues.
Researchers have confirmed a Champaign County waterhemp population is resistant to dicamba, with a 65% control rate. The population shows signs of metabolic resistance, activating detoxification genes before the chemical can harm. This finding raises concerns about the potential for broader herbicide resistance.
A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
University of Illinois researchers discovered waterhemp's unique mechanism to detoxify the herbicide SA3, adding complexity to controlling this weed. This finding raises concerns about the potential for waterhemp to resist new herbicides before they are even commercialized.
The Deep Soil Ecotron will enable scientists to conduct experiments on columns of soil up to three meters deep, improving understanding of how deep soil organisms react to unprecedented conditions and sequester carbon. The facility will also be used to develop sensors to monitor deep soils in the field.
Researchers at Ural Federal University developed a simple method to produce fluorine-containing heterocycles, which are promising building blocks for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry. The new compounds were found to be highly chemically active and selectively entered into various reactions.
A new catalytic process converts lignin from plant cell walls into valuable chemical commodities, including fragrance and flavoring ingredients. The process also produces high-octane fuel suitable for use in jets and racecars.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a cheap, hydrolysable polymer called poly(hindered urea)s (PHUs), which can be designed to degrade over time. This material has potential applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and packaging, offering advantages over traditional hydrolyzable polymers.
Scientists used 'Temporal Dominance of Sensations' technique to visualize perceptions while eating vanilla ice cream. Key findings include the role of hydrocolloids in eliminating cold-ice sensation and enhancing creaminess.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created soy-based macromolecules with comparable reactivity to isocyanates, a toxic intermediate used in many polymer products. The soy-based polymers demonstrate improved mechanical properties and are considered a safer alternative.
The American Chemical Society will present over 225 technical papers on various topics including medical isotopes, environmental fate of aircraft de-icing fluids, and smart materials. A banquet and minority affairs workshops are also planned for the event.
A new chemistry analysis reveals the optimal time for harvesting pungent peppers, with Piquin peppers requiring 40 days and De árbol and Habañero peppers needing 50 days. The hot flavor of chile peppers is caused by capsaicinoids, which degrade over time due to naturally-occurring compounds called peroxidases.
A multiyear project called EXPRESSO aims to explore how vegetation and fires interact with the atmosphere in tropical regions. The study will help define the degree of influence central Africa has on global chemistry cycles.